Workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Cross River, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Kaduna, and Zamfara states are poised to begin an indefinite strike today over the failure of state governments to implement the N70,000 minimum wage.
Despite ongoing discussions between labor leaders and state authorities, many chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have reaffirmed their readiness to down tools.
In the FCT, the NLC directed workers in the six Area Councils to strike indefinitely from December 1.
This directive followed the leadership’s call for industrial action in 14 states and the FCT over the non-payment of the new wage.
Similarly, the NLC in Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Zamfara, and Cross River states declared their commitment to the strike, citing government inaction.
While Kaduna State claims compliance with the new wage law, paying a minimum of N72,000 to its workers, the NLC insists on joining the strike, citing unresolved demands for salary adjustments.
Governor Uba Sani’s administration has defended its actions, arguing that meeting consequential adjustment demands would strain the state’s finances.
Meanwhile, labor leaders in Ebonyi and Zamfara criticized their state governments for failing to finalize collective bargaining agreements or commence payments.
In Cross River, late-night negotiations reportedly led to an agreement to implement the N70,000 minimum wage, but uncertainty remains over workers’ participation in the strike.
As the dispute escalates, state governments and labor unions remain locked in negotiations to avert a shutdown that could disrupt public services across these states.
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